My life changed forever

[William1977]

Hi my name is Bill I'm 59 years old . I developed bacterial Menegitis when I was 42 from surgery to relieve pressure caused by an arachnoid cyst. The bacteria entered from the incision. I developed symtoms, about three days after surgery. I went back to the hospital with a crushing headache I was being given hydrocodone for the headache. I was discharged after two days. After being at home for a few days things radically changed. I was having trouble walking. I shuffled. I was in sort of a fog during that time. Back to hospital. Did spinal tap. Confirmed bacteria in my CFS. Spent 2 weeks on antibiotics to rid myself of the bacteria. I was slow to heal my brain swelling took a long time to return to normal. They had to put a vp shunt to control my Csf brain pressure. It took me about two months to get back to work. About 4 months later I had the scariest moment of my life. I was having bouts of vertigo 1st week in Nov 2001. It was happening on and off all weekend. That next Monday it started and didn't stop for a 36hrs. My balance was destroyed on my lt side. I had tests to determine if any function was left . Testing showed 95% loss. It's been 17 years now and still very symtomatic. My equilibrium is way off. Body weekness lt eye slow to move. My family said my personality is different. Difficulty walking , brain fog, short term memory loss.

[Jwire]

I’m sorry for all you’ve been through and your lasting symptoms. I am sure your personality is different because you have went through so much, it’s very hard to not let that affect you. I pray your symptoms get better and you find relief both physically and mentally. I had viral meningitis but it has definitely had its lasting affects on me mentally.

[Lippistix]

Hello, You can find my 28 year old daughter, Rosie S' Story, via the link on the forum stories from the home page.

We found that cranial massage worked wonders for her. Her job is working with horses on pretty much a daily basis and is very physically demanding.

It is rare for a story to be so positive and we have tried to let people know that this amazing complementary therapy worked for her. It helps release the spinal fluid which VM leaves a blockage for. Rosie is pretty much cured after around 10 sessions coupled with actupuncture, although found awesome relief after only one appointment. She is now free of all pain killers and antidepressants and feels right back to her old self.

We can only let you know what worked for her. It's not for all, but has now given amazing relief for many. It seems the success could be to do with the skill of the cranial osteopath you use. So it is important to find out the osteopaths credentials and experience in this specialised field particularly dealing with VM sufferers, if you can. (Not all osteopaths realise that this helps VM sufferers, it is often carried out on young babies with birthing problems). You need an osteopath and not a therapist who mearly has some training in cranial massage.

If you find you are getting the violent headaches and feeling lethargic and depressed after a few weeks, give this complementary therapy a go, it really could be worth it and save you being on prescribed drugs, along with months, years, of unnecessary suffering.

Although you had BM, this treatment still may help.

Kind wishes and best of luck

[eporter]

My son contracted meningitis exactly the same way, during surgery to relieve an arachnoid cyst. he was 14 months so couldn't tell us any of the pain or after effects but I have been worried about the potential for after effects. we're now 1 year on, his balance is very poor, which the doctors say is due to ear infections, and I am convinced he has some memory issues as he repeats phrases and questions over - albeit this could be because he's only 2. I hope you feel better soon, I just wanted to comment as you're the only other person I've found to contract it during brain surgery (with the same op too!)

[William1977 in reply to eporter]

I really hope your young son will improve as he grows. Just a word of advice moving forward. Try to avoid any more surgeries involving that cyst. It's not worth the risk of contracting BM again. Hospitals are breeding grounds for deadly bacteria I think it's to late for me for any improvement for me l will pray for your little guy. Do this for me and yourselves. Sue the surgeon and the hospital. It was there negligence that caused this. Make them pay